Back to West Cornwall & The Lizard walks
Outstanding views over Mount's Bay, cliffs bright with spring flowers and the pretty harbour of Mullion Cove – a lovely short circuit on the Lizard.
Starting at Mullion's 16th-century Old Inn, this walk heads out to the coast near Poldhu, then follows the South West Coast Path south past Polurrian Cove to the tiny harbour of Mullion Cove before returning across the fields.
In spring the cliff tops are swathed in pink thrift, white sea campion and yellow and orange kidney vetch.
Walk at a glance
- Distance
- 4½ miles (about 3 hrs)
- Grade
- Moderate
- Map
- OS Explorer 103 – The Lizard
- Start
- The Old Inn, Mullion village
- Terrain
- Coast path, tracks, a steep path into Mullion Cove and quiet roads
Parking
Car park across the road from the Old Inn in Mullion village.
Facilities
Pubs, shops and toilets in Mullion; café and gift shop at Mullion Cove (seasonal).
Disabled access
This walk is not suitable for wheelchairs or anyone with limited mobility: it includes a steep, rough cliff path down into Mullion Cove, steps and uneven coast path. For an easier outing, the National Trust car park at Poldhu Cove is about 300 yards of fairly even ground from the beach, with a seasonal accessible toilet (April to October). The road down to Mullion Cove harbour is steep.
Places to stay
The route
Mullion to the coast
Start at the Old Inn (car park across the road). Take the Poldhu road out of the village for about half a mile. On the left a rough track is signed to Seven Pines and Angrouse Farm; follow it over a small cattle grid, then take the coast path on the left.
Along the cliffs to Polurrian
The views over Mount's Bay are outstanding. The coast path takes you south to Polurrian Cove; cross the wooden bridge and follow the path up the cliff. At the top bear right onto a track beside the road, passing the coastguard lookout and the Mullion Cove Hotel. Cut straight across the parking area towards a cannon.
Down into Mullion Cove
Take the steep cliff path down into Mullion Cove, also known as Porth Mellin. The sea stacks to the right of the path are serpentine, while Mullion Island offshore is made of volcanic lava and chert.
Back to the village
Take the road out of Mullion Cove past the gift shop and, about 100 yards beyond, turn right onto the track signed to Polpeor. Follow it to the top of the hill, take the small path on your left and turn left at the road. After 50 yards take the footpath on the right and walk diagonally across the field to a post box. Turn right and follow the road into Mullion, past the Mount’s Bay Inn and back to the Old Inn.
All information is given in good faith and for guidance only. Always carry the OS map and check the South West Coast Path website for diversions.
Highlights along the way
Polurrian Cove
A sandy cove below high cliffs, popular with surfers.
Mount's Bay views
Across the bay to Porthleven, St Michael’s Mount and Penwith.
Mullion Cove
A tiny working harbour cared for by the National Trust.
Mullion Island
A seabird colony just offshore, formed from ancient volcanic rock.
Nearby
Places to visit
Towns & villages
Photos
Where the walk starts
The marker shows the start of the walk.
Before you set out
Carry the OS map – paths and signs can change and mobile signal is patchy.
Check the weather and tide times before you set out.
Keep to the path and well back from cliff edges.
Keep dogs under close control near livestock and cliffs.